Rice: U.S. Will Defend Israel From Iran

Iran Answers Secretary Of State's Warning With Another Missile Launch

(CBS/AP)  Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice warned Iran on Thursday that the United States will not back down in the face of threats against Israel.

Iran answered with another missile launch.

Iranian state television portrayed the missiles, fired Wednesday and again overnight, as a demonstration of the country's ability to defend itself against an attack by Israel or the United States. The weapons included missiles launched from naval ships in the Persian Gulf, along with torpedoes and surface-to-surface missiles, the broadcast said.

The Iranians said they launched nine missiles but U.S. intelligence counted seven, reports CBS News national security correspondent David Martin Then several hours later another missile was fired - the one that apparently failed to launch on the first try. One of those missiles was said to be capable of hitting Israel. U.S. intelligence says the missile flew about 600 miles, well short of what it would take to reach Israel.

"These Iranian tests seldom show their great military prowess and often if analyzed very closely suggest that their programs are still very much in an evolutionary state and in fact that their capabilities are not exactly as advertised," Iran expert Suzanne Maloney told Martin.

The same may be true of Iran's nuclear program. The Iranians like to show off the centrifuges they've built to enrich uranium. But U.S. intelligence says Iran's uranium enrichment has been beset with technical difficulties, adds Martin.

Just hours earlier on Thursday, Rice had closed her three-day European trip with a stern response to Iran: "We are sending a message to Iran that we will defend American interests and the interests of our allies."

Rice noted U.S. efforts to increase its own security presence in the Persian Gulf and the defense capabilities of U.S. allies there.

"We take very, very strongly our obligations to help our allies defend themselves and no one should be confused about that," she said.

Rice tied the first round of Iranian missile tests to U.S. plans for a future missile shield, which would theoretically protect Eastern Europe from missiles launched from Iran.

The system would place radar interceptors in the Czech Republic, a former Soviet satellite, and missiles in Poland. That has drawn protests from Russia, which says that's uncomfortably close.

Such a missile defense system "will make it more difficult for Iran to threaten and be bellicose and say terrible things, because their missiles won't work," Rice said.

Meanwhile, the New York Times reported that after Iran's initial missile test, a digitally-altered image of four missiles heading skyward in unison appeared on the front pages of several major newspapers and news Web sites. Thursday, The Associated Press distributed a nearly identical photo (at left) from the same source, but without the fourth missile.

Rice's trip to Eastern Europe highlighted the troubled U.S. relationship with Russia. Rice's visit began with a celebration of U.S plans to base anti-missile defenses in countries once under the Soviet hand, and a warning from Russia that it may respond with unspecified military action. It ended with a public display of close U.S. ties to Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili, a Russian nemesis.

Georgia's relations with Russia have deteriorated since Saakashvili came to power in 2004. Saakashvili is pushing for Georgia's integration into the West and its NATO military alliance; Moscow sees Georgia as part of its sphere of influence.

Appearing at a news conference with Rice, Saakashvili thanked the U.S. for its support of Georgia's territorial integrity and criticized Russia for conducting what he called a "post-Cold War land grab." He joked about an incident earlier this week in which Russian planes allegedly flew near the Georgian capital.

"It looks like some people have not noticed that the Cold War is over," he said.

Rice said Russia had a responsibility to restore stability in Georgia and that Russia should "behave in that way - resolving and solving the problem and not contributing to it."

Earlier, Rice met with Georgian opposition politicians and social activists, telling them the United States supports Georgia's struggles for democracy and pluralism following flawed elections won earlier this year by Saakashvili, the U.S.-backed president.

Rice had all but dared Moscow to critique her visit to this former Soviet republic locked in a shoving match with Russia that has seen Russia close its border with Georgia and impose trade and other restrictions.

Georgia has long accused Russia of aiming to annex Abkhazia and another separatist Georgian region, South Ossetia. Both have been outside the Georgian government's control since the end of separatist wars in the mid-1990s.

Russia does not formally recognize either region's separatist government, but it maintains close contacts with them and has granted passports to most of the regions' residents. Russia has peacekeeping forces in both regions; Georgia accuses the Russian forces of supporting the separatists.

Moscow recently sent in additional forces, a move Saakashvili denounced as aggression.

"It is very important that all parties reject violence as an option. There must be a peaceful resolution and that's what we'll work for," Rice said, speaking with Saakashvili.

Georgia has said it suspects Russia of using peacekeeping troops as a cover to bring artillery and other heavy weapons into Abkhazia. U.S. officials say Georgia is not blameless, but that Russia has helped make the situation truly dangerous.

[closethippy1]

I can''t believe we''re going through this all over again. Can we really take the word of Bush and Co. on Iran when they were so wrong about Iraq?
Whatever Iran is accused of doing they did it during their 8 year war with Iraq.
Iraq and Iran bluffed each other and try to keep secrets from each other.
They both wanted to look like the bigger threat to each other.
NONE OF IT HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE US.
It''s insane for the US to force itself in the middle of these two countries and then start acting as if what they were doing to each other was against the US!
Iran is a signatory to the IAEA and is allowing ongoing inspections of its facilities.
The US needs to chill out before trying again to save the world from itself all over again.

[shanev137]

I liked the story last week that said Iran would keep selling oil to Israel if there was a war.

[Gary Kempf]

Rice: We Will Defend Israel From Iran
Secretary Of State Issues Unambiguous Response As Iran Test-Fires More Medium And Long-Range Missiles

Rice just shut Up!
You have no problems shooting your mouth off while putting others in the line of fire.

[oneworldusa]

If Iran is truly putting these missile displays on their state-run (aka Religious Militia) television, then it is providing evidence on its own and provoking trouble.

[oneworldusa]

This MAY be the beginning of Armageddon. Is Christ supposed to have His Second Coming before or after Armageddon? Sorry, wasn''t raised religious, but am faithful. Not a student of the Bible but a believer in Christ and God.

[dillypickles]

Dang!! Isn''t our military stretched enough? What with the natural disasters we are currently experiencing in the US & the economy going all to he**. How would we be even able to fight another country? Geez....don''t these people have any brains at all? They are bound & determined to wipe us all off the face of the earth. How does nuclear fallout sound? Of course, all the Govt people will have the proper shelters & enough food & stuff to last their lifetime but what about the rest of the world? It is in the Bible that the WWIII will start in the Middle East & it sure looks like we are heading in that direction.

Bush & Co need to shut up for the rest of their term & not force their death wish on the rest of us.

[n8yvn29]

Typical propaganda from the most inept and traitorous administration the U.S. has ever experienced. If we believe the Bush Crime Family, Israel is a weak and vulnerable sheep among wolves in the Middle East. In fact, Israel is the biggest bully the region has ever experienced, possessing more than 250 nuclear weapons, cutting-edge tanks and aircraft (supplied by the U.S. at taxpayer expense), and not afraid to use them as we saw two summer ago when they attacked Lebanon.

[floydzepp2]

Condi the Gaptoothed Scowler. Inept. Insecure. And Irrelevant.

[underdogus01]

FloydZepp2 he,he LOSER!!

[underdogus01]

UNDERDOGUS IN DEFENSE OF ISRAEL!!

[stn_sage]

Well now we see how Bush and Cheney are going to start World War III!

Since THEY can''t launch an unprovoked attack in the dead of the night---like they did against Iraq ---they''re going to launch an attack in DEFENSE of Israel! How nice!

But, let me point a couple things out:
1. Test firing missiles is Iran''s right! It''s not an attack of war against ANYONE!
2. Israel is capable of defending itself. They don''t need our help.
3. Rice failed as NSA advisor. Had she done her job, 911 might have been prevented!
4. It''s her responsibility to see war doesn''t happen, NOT ''fan the flames'' and see that it DOES! She needs to get a hold of herself! And refrain from further comment. As one poster put it, ''shut up''!
5. Congress needs to engage this administration BEFORE we have a huge tragedy! They seem determined to open a third war front or start a nuclear war!
6. As citizens we need to vote to replace incumbents who haven''t done their jobs. This means most of the Republicans and some of the Democrats, especially Pelosi, Schumer, Feinstein, Obey,& Reid, if they''re up for reelection.

Finally, it appears these MORONS are determined to take us up to the edge of the abyss, I truly hope that we don''t fall into it!

[DDouville]

Iran has been an enemy of the US ever since the hostages were taken. We are not going to stop supporting Israel, so any illusions about that you can forget. The leader of Iran has acted foolishly. I am dissapointed that he has made statements about destroying Israel and denying the holocaust ever occured. You have to wonder why he would do this, as this puts not only the people of Iran in danger, but the entire world. And please armchair quaterbacks, quit blaming everything on Bush! How would you have handled Sept 11 if you were in his shoes? Easy to bash Bush and blame everything on him. The man has done his best under the circumstances of what is probably the most difficult time in modern history. See, we have to be on the offensive, we can''t wait for the next Sept 11 this time. A lot of you have become too complacent, some of these people would like to destroy us completely, and with nuclear weapons it just might be possible. Read up on your history, the US will defend Israel. Make no mistake about it. And realize the United States is a mirror of Israel, the Jews run this country if you haven''t ever noticed. Look around. You are in it whether you like it or not. It would be nice if the world were at peace, but it''s not. One has to wonder if this isn''t the prelude to the second coming of Christ. If so, then all these events have been pre-determined. We can''t stop it. I really hope I am wrong about all this. Peace Out from Dan

[aeasus]

I knew this was coming after seeing the price of oil slipping. Happens every time!

[kmccliment]

Finally, it appears these MORONS are determined to take us up to the edge of the abyss, I truly hope that we don''''t fall into it!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by stn_sage

why is this Bush''s fault again? I cant wait if by a miracle Obama is elected I''ll be posting on here. Obama''s fault for gas prices, Obamas fault for wars, Obamas fault for famine, Obamas fault for the secretarys hemoroids.

[rob416]

Secretary Rice''s statement about the US not backing down from an Iranian threat to Israel will amount to the price of oil rising and the stock market tanking. It was not necessary to make that statemet since it is a know fact that the US stands with Israel as we should.

Besides being one of the worst and least effective Secretary of State this Nation has ever had, Condoleezza Rice lacks common sense and apparently understands little about economics. In this day and age where just mere statements from a high profile Government official can rock the markets, it is important they choose their words carefully.

[lostusadream]

Idiot oil companies, idiot speculators, you play right into the hands of oil countries like Iran,
giving them money to play with to finance their missiles. Why don''t you just take the money out of your wallet and hand it to them?

[benissimo-2009]

Buy your Halliburton stock now while it''s hot...

[whiskyrocker]

Rice can send her 1st born to be the first into battle.

[borris007-2009]

Funny Israel hasn''t helped the US in any way... no Israeli blood spilt in Iraq.... Now the Jewish loving US Government and subjects controlled by Central Israel, will do what ever it takes to defend Israel... How stupid can Americans be...

We need a new direction and a new administration.

[fixhist]

Why can''t Ahmadi-Nejad pick some another domestic topic to vent his stomach indigestion conditions?
Why he has to be in public, if he has to ***? His stink is reaching out up to here in Canada, and sure we get the punch in stink. It is horrible to bear it.
Why can''t he chew two grains of large-black elaichies found in India?
From personal experience, I can tell you, his over indulgence with bananas at OIC meetings will give him comfort with just two grains of Indian Kaali-Elaichy.
Indians gave spices & Garam-Masala to North America for sure,don''t blame Columbus for his navigational error.Israeli have perfected navigation systems and know How to take control of air crafts from middle of the domestic route.

Yes! Israel is a sovereign State,only problem is with its boundaries which are blurry.
But hay ! It has been only 60-Years of declaration of state of Israel. So are her experience with domestic,external issue & image she carries,or its state institutions like Kesset.
Same is the case with United Nations. Even Ron Paul & John Christian marked as sleeper cell stateman of Canada are older than Israel & United Nations.

Presented by "Fixhist"
Registered company in the province of Ontario-Canada.

No we are not open for business, for now we are just doing volunteer work to gain North American Experience.
Our new innovative business & endeavour is not listed under "Canadian Company Capabilities" Yet.

[underdogus01]

1938WW2 2008WW3...Libs,cowards,and traitors prepare for WAR!! we will attack Iran end of story!

[fixhist]

[part-2]
It is a fact, that Israel is a protected state by virtue of International treaties,UN resolutions & charter of human rights.
Israel is an established state with civic infrastructure, democratic wisdom & verifiable hierarchy of levels of good Govt & governance for serving rights & a reminder of responsibility for people of Israel.
Though, it is very important fact,that govt & state of Israel doesn''t pay attention to what image reaches out to the hearts & minds of people abroad. Too bad coni is jail,he could have helped through his connections to boost image of Israel,I know one time he held the most popular Newspaper of Israel under his belt. Oh there came another confusion, does Conrad Black tie his belt above his navel or under his navel? I couldn''t figure it out as Coni is always seen in a coat of one & same color.
Talking about Coni''s coat, I did see a picture of him in cloak & two sheep crossing west-minister bridge of London & paying no toll for the sheep.
He may have used it as an occasion for picture opportunity, perhaps at a later date Coni will exercise his Lord ship by sending for British commercial attachi to come over for a meeting and brief on media mistakes about Israel.

My apologizes for being non-coherent, But I''m Trying to defend Israel from hostile statements of hairy faced chimpanzee, claiming to know Engineering, which is basically a science but application is a art & bound to carry burden of moral ethics by default.
[Contd.]

[mcvet]

1938WW2 2008WW3...Libs,cowards,and traitors prepare for WAR!! we will attack Iran end of story!

Posted by underdogus01 at 07:11 AM : Jul 10, 2008

Who''s this WE swastika breath?? You got a mouse in your pocket?? ROFLMAO Anyone who would follow you fascist at this point needs serious Mental Help!! ROFLMAO Sieg Heil Bush

[feelfree4u]

Re: "1938WW2 2008WW3...Libs,cowards,and traitors prepare for WAR!! we will attack Iran end of story!"

Posted by underdogus01


"underdogus01",

Your Zionist dream is dead. The only way to get it going is for folks like you to join the fight, and I think that we both know that is''n likely to happen.

There will be no rapture, and you have been chosen by no-one, other than Beelzebub.

[borris007-2009]

Start another war..... The US economy is tanking, everything else in the US is turning to rust.... USA''s reputation throughout the World is at an all time low... it''ll take a miracle for the USA to restore any credibility.... The US should folks should focus on voting intelligent folks into government not brain lacking idiots... see what you get when you vote into office, a person that is just like you?

[fixhist]

Rice: We Will Defend Israel From Iran.
Yes! We too.

That, Banana eater Chimpanzee with hairy face can''t just hide behind political statements,on optimistic assumptions that,all countries of the world who got beef with neocon & Zionists will add up to his support by cash,kind or political.
[Continue to part-2]

[reuben110-2009]

Given the value of Israeli blood in Israel, and US blood, Iran is a very safe place to be right now. OK, so they might not win a war, but they have the capacity to wipe out entire Israeli cities, the Israelis are a sharp nation not a stupid one, so an Israeli attack is not going to happen.

Iran have the power to wipe out every US base in the region, as well as massacre US forces in Iraq,again the value of US blood is high, a few blows on US bases in Iraq and the US will be out of there before you can say howdy.

So lets just accept that either way, something has got to give, you either offer them something serious, and have their nucleur needs addressed,plus the signing of a peace treaty, or, you witness the fireworks. These guys are not pebble fickers.

[mcvet]

We need a new direction and a new administration.

Posted by baileycc at 07:08 AM : Jul 10, 2008

TRUE!! If this nation has EVER needed to change directions it is most certainly NOW! We have seen NOTHING but trouble since these Fascist came to power and there has been NO progress!!

[feelfree4u]

Israel provides a clear example of everything that can go horribly wrong if a country is founded on a religion.

We should not allow the U.S. to be wiped any further from the map, along with Israel. Supporting Israel is not in America''s interests.

It''s time to cut the chord with the rogue, collapsing, welfare/terror-State of apartheid Israel.

[chimpyout]

Another war? The "administration" already has two of ''em going without conspicuous success in either.

Therefore, Cond, GFY, we have other priorities.

[underdogus01]

total destruction only solution....Israel we stand by your side.....Israel is the only true DEMOCRACY in the Middle East. It is an island in a sea of RADICAL Muslims screaming for the death of every infidel(non Muslim)......

[excoachken]

The operant word in Rice''s statement is "defend." Attacking another country, which has NOT, already attacked us or "our allies," is an aggressive act of war. We used to have a civilized, defensive nature to our foreign policy, which allowed for discussion, compromised, and peaceful solutions. But, with the Cowardly Cowboy''s chosen successor, Shellshock McCain well behind Obama in the polls and Lieberman''s Israel $$ so needed for the Fall campaign at stake, tradition, logic and sanity seem to have disappeared! If Israel attacks Iran, because of Rice''s overstatement, we will be on the WRONG side of the fight! It would seem that the time is ripe for the occuence of a creative "Gulf of Tonkin" or "WMD incident" in order to trick the American people into another huge mistake.

[rafterman1]

===Iran have the power to wipe out every US base in the region, as well as massacre US forces in Iraq===
Posted by reuben110

Neocons may underestimate Iran, but you, on the other hand, are overestimating their capabilities.

[feelfree4u]

Re: "Israel is the only true DEMOCRACY in the Middle East."

Posted by underdogus01


More like a theocracy- a dangerous, extremist, and volatile one, with nukes. Truly a bad idea, from the very start.

Certainly not in America''s interests.

[underdogus01]

onlythereal ..well said my friend, may God Bless you!!

[whiskyrocker]

wp4088:
----------
If it wasn''t for that dammm oil!

[whiskyrocker]

Israel of course want''s us to do there fighting for them.

[feelfree4u]

onlythereal,

Haven''t the religious nutters done enough damage already?

[brianbwb-2009]

Rice: We Will Defend Israel From Iran:

Brian: go for it Rice, you''re on your own, my family and friends''s lives are not for sale. Israel can defend itself, they don''t require the lives of our soldiers to do it.

[brianbwb-2009]

"Israel is the only true DEMOCRACY in the Middle East."
Posted by underdogus01

Good for them, it is not our problem, if they are a democracy, let them vote to protect themselves, it is not our job, or our business.

[sleepyric]

If Iran starts something, it will be reduced to a burning cinder. I think they know this. All that has happened lately is "sabre rattling". Nothing more. I pity the common Iranian people. They are being held hostage by their government just like we have been held hostage for 8 years.

[Mccarthyaw]

Let Israel take care of itself. They already have all of our weapons, let them use them.

[Mccarthyaw]

Let Israel take care of itself. They already have all of our weapons, let them use them.

[Mccarthyaw]

Let Israel take care of itself. They already have all of our weapons, let them use them.

[Mccarthyaw]

***, sorry for the triple post.

[csmith1948]

Religious fanatics. This is the worlds biggest problem and has been since organized religions were founded. It will be the death of us all.

[bluestardad]

65 YEARS OF FIGHTING WARS SPENDING BLOOD AND TREASURE IN THE MIDDLE EAST FOR ISRAEL IS ENOUGH!

LET RICE AND BUSHIT ALONG WITH THE DUEL PASSPORT HOLDING AIPAC MEMBERS AND JOE LIBERMAN GO FIGHT FOR ISRAEL!

THERE IS NOTHING IN THE MIDDLE EAST AMERICA NEEDS!

[defendisrael]

God Bless you Ms. Rice. You are doing the right thing. God will bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse it. Keep Israel and America protected from these jihadis and Freedom will prevail!

[defendisrael]

it is amazing to me how these leftists are so eager to encourage Iran to exterminate millions of Jews, by opposing a commitment to defend them
posted by kangaxx

It''s not suprising to me at all. Many of the posters on these forums are not just leftists, but they are muslims, so of course they''d like to see Israel and the Jews wiped out.